Innovation, Industry and Investment Veteran Recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Science and Society

Employees and Directors of the Canada-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) congratulate Dr. Orna Berry, former CIIRDF Chair of the Board of Directors and Israel Chief Scientist, on her receipt of an honorary Doctor of Science degree (honoris causa) at the spring 2018 convocation for the Faculty of Engineering at McGill University.

McGill is one of North America’s oldest and most distinguished universities, world renown for teaching and research. Honorary doctorates are McGill University’s highest honors, recognizing the distinguished contribution, outstanding achievements and impact of exceptional individuals who serve as inspiration for the leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Orna Berry delivers the keynote convocation address to the engineering graduates of McGill University in May 2018.

Through this honorary degree, McGill University recognized Dr. Berry’s outstanding contributions to her field, and society as a whole. A scientist, businesswoman and innovation leader, Dr. Berry is the undisputed first lady of Israeli high tech and the first woman to serve as Israel’s Chief Scientist and Head of Research and Development at the Israeli Ministry of Industry and Trade. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Berry has held numerous leadership positions in the Israeli science, technology and venture capital industries. This includes a five-year tenure as the Chair of the Board of CIIRDF from 1996 to 2000.

In addition to her honorary degree, McGill also invited Dr. Berry to deliver the convocation address to the engineering graduates of 2018. She provided a stirring presentation for these future leaders on the lawn of McGill’s beautiful campus in Montreal.

Just a few weeks later, Dr. Berry was recognized once again for her important contributions to the advancement of science, research and innovation at Israel’s Cyber Week where she received the Cyber Defender Award for 2018. CIIRDF is proud to have benefited from Dr. Berry and her leadership during its formative years, and applauds those who have acknowledged her many accomplishments.